Declutter Before You Decorate: How to Refresh Your Space for the Holidays
The holiday season is a time to bring warmth, joy, and beauty into your home. But before unpacking ornaments, hanging twinkling lights, and setting up seasonal decorations, it's helpful to clear out clutter and refresh your space. Not only does this create a more welcoming atmosphere, but it also makes your holiday decor shine without competing with everyday items. Here’s how to start with a clean slate so your holiday style can truly stand out.
Start with a Vision
Before diving into decluttering, take a few moments to picture how you want your space to feel and look this season. Is it cozy and minimalist, or festive and vibrant? Having a clear vision can guide your decluttering efforts, making it easier to part with items that don’t fit your holiday aesthetic. Write down your vision or create a mood board to inspire you throughout the process.
Clear Surfaces and High-Traffic Areas First
Begin with the places that will get the most attention and traffic during the holidays. Clear off coffee tables, kitchen counters, entryways, and other surfaces where decor will be displayed. Removing unnecessary items from these spaces will make room for holiday touches without feeling cluttered.
Pro Tip: Use baskets or storage bins to quickly remove items that need to be relocated, then sort through these bins after you’re done with each room.
Make Room for Seasonal Decor by Rotating Items
The easiest way to avoid overcrowding is by rotating seasonal items. Take a look around and identify everyday decor pieces that can be temporarily stored away to create space for holiday accents. By rotating out items, you keep the focus on your festive decor and reduce the risk of a cluttered look.
Declutter Decorations from Previous Years
Holiday decorations can accumulate over time, but not every piece may still bring you joy. Take this opportunity to evaluate your holiday decor. Ask yourself if each item still aligns with your current style, has sentimental value, or brings you joy. Donate, repurpose, or recycle anything that no longer serves your vision.
Pro Tip: For items you love but don’t plan to use this year, create a storage system with labeled bins. This helps keep your collection organized and makes decorating easier next year.
Organize Your Entryway for a Warm Welcome
Entryways set the tone for your home, so it’s worth spending a little extra time to make this area inviting. Clear out any unnecessary items, like summer shoes, sports equipment, or mail piles. Then, consider adding a small holiday accent or two, like a wreath or festive doormat, to create a cheerful first impression for guests.
Refresh High-Use Spaces Like the Kitchen and Living Room
The kitchen and living room are the heart of holiday gatherings, so make sure these areas feel open and organized. Declutter kitchen counters, clean out the fridge and pantry to make room for holiday treats, and sort through living room items, like magazines and books, to create space for seasonal decor.
Pro Tip: Set up a designated “holiday zone” in the kitchen for baking supplies or treat-making materials, so everything is at hand when it’s time for seasonal recipes.
Don’t Forget to Declutter Kids' Spaces and Shared Rooms
Kids’ rooms, play areas, and shared spaces often have items that can be rotated or temporarily stored to make room for holiday decor or seasonal toys. Encourage kids to donate any gently used toys they’ve outgrown as a way of giving back during the holiday season. Clearing out these areas can make your whole home feel more open and ready for celebration.
Keep Decor Simple and Meaningful
Once your space is decluttered, it’s easier to focus on decorations that align with your vision. Remember, a few well-chosen pieces can have a greater impact than filling every corner with decor. By being selective, you can highlight special pieces, such as heirloom ornaments, favorite holiday candles, or a beautiful wreath.
Decluttering before you decorate not only refreshes your space but also sets the tone for a calm, joyful holiday season. By clearing out what you don’t need, you create room for holiday memories and meaningful decor that will make your home feel truly special. Enjoy the process, and embrace the extra breathing room to focus on what really matters: time with loved ones and the peace of the season.